Canada international Cloe Lacasse has showered encomiums on her SL Benfica teammate Christy Ucheibe ahead of the Olympic champions' showdown with Nigeria in a two-match series on April 8 and April 11 in British Columbia.
With five goals in 54 appearances since arriving at Benfica in 2020, Ucheibe has continued to establish herself in Portuguese football, winning four silverware including the Liga BPI title and are on the brink of a second successive title win this season.
The exploits of the 21-year-old midfielder with the Portuguese champions saw her earning an international call-up to Nigeria and made her debut in a 1-0 win over Cote d'Ivoire in Abidjan in February.
And Lacasse, whose impact at SL Benfica since 2019 had earned her a national call up to Canada, has lauded Ucheibe, stressing that she "brings something that's lacking in Portugal”.
Christy is definitely a very personable girl, she's a person I look forward to, she's always very positive, she loves showcasing Nigeria, we always see this in her dance, moves," Lacasse told SportNewsAfrica .
"Christy is a very great personality and most especially she brings a really different attitude as a footballer player, I think it's something that's lacking in Portugal.
"I think she's also helping someone grow the game in that regard, I think Portugal needs more types of players like her. I am excited to see what the future brings to Christy, I think she has the world in front of her in the football world. I think Christy and I have different moves, but when we come together it's definitely a different style."
The last time Nigeria and Canada battled each other was in the build-up to the France 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the Super Falcons fell 2-1 to the Canadians despite Oparanozie's effort off Kanu's assist in Pinatar, Spain.
And Friday's clash at the BC Place in Vancouver is another date for both teams after many years, following their epic 3-3 draw at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup finals in Sweden.
And the 28-year-old, who is eyeing her sixth cap for Canada anticipates an entertaining and cagey showdown between the Olympic and African champions at the BC Place Stadium.
"For me I know Nigeria has always been a very physical and very athletic team, they work very hard, truthfully, I thought that's going to be a great match for Canada," she continued.
"Canada also has those traits as well, the very physical and athletic team especially knowing players like Christy, I know the team are never going to give up for the full 90 minutes and they going to bring their all to us.
"I think it's a very great country and the team would want to represent Nigeria best in every way possible, so, I think it's really exciting to match up and I think is going to be a good game for fans and I'm glad to be apart of it."
Lacasse has scored 39 goals in 37 outings, including scored the opener in a 2-0 win over Sporting Braga last time out as Benfica inch closer to their second successive title success and will aim to inspire Canada past Ucheibe's Nigeria.
SAMUEL AHMADU
